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Credit: IOM / 2014
Lebanon
Country Fact Sheet
2019
DisclaimerIOM has carried out the gathering of information with great care. IOM provides information atits best knowledge and in all conscience. Nevertheless, IOM cannot assume to be heldaccountable for the correctness of the information provided. Furthermore, IOM shall not beliable for any conclusions made or any results, which are drawn from the information providedby IOM.
Funded by:
I. CHECKLIST FOR A VOLUNTARY RETURN1. Before the return2. After the return
II. HEALTH CARE1. General information2. Medical treatment and medication
III. LABOUR MARKET AND EMPLOYMENT1. General information2. Ways/assistance to find employment3. Unemployment assistance4. Further education and trainings
IV. HOUSING1. General Information2. Ways/assistance to find accommodation3. Social grants for housing
V. SOCIAL WELFARE1. General Information2. Pension system3. Vulnerable groups
VI. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM1. General Information2. Cost, loans and stipends3. Approval and verification of foreign diplomas
VII. CONCRETE SUPPORT FOR RETURNEES1. Reintegration assistance programs2. Financial and administrative support3. Support to start income generating activities
VIII. CONTACT INFORMATION AND USEFUL LINKS1. International, Non-Governmental and Humanitarian Organizations2. Relevant local authorities 3. Services assisting with the search for jobs, housing, etc. 4. Medical Facilities5. Other Contacts
2For further information please visit the information portal on
voluntary return and reintegration ReturningfromGermany:
https://www.returningfromgermany.de/en/countries/Lebanon
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Before the Return
The returnee should
✓ Ensure that they hold valid traveldocuments to return to Lebanon and if not,contact the Lebanese Embassy
✓ For children born abroad: obtain certifiedbirth certificates, legalized by the LebaneseEmbassy
✓ Education: have diplomas translated intoEnglish, certified by relevant authorities andlegalized by the Lebanese Embassy
✓ Health: obtain medical reports fromphysicians, translated into English if possible
✓ Plan for onward transportation from Beirutairport to final destination in Lebanon
✓ Plan for (temporary) accommodation
I. Checklist for a Voluntary Return
After the Return
The returnee should
✓ Register with relevant authorities
✓ Contact IOM in case they are entitled toreintegration assistance
✓ Enroll in health insurance
✓ Contact services that assist with job searchor vocational training
✓ When applicable, enroll children in schools
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Credit: IOM / Moubarak, 2018
1. General Information
Various insurance companies are available forprivate insurance. There is a National SocialSecurity Fund (NSSF), which is restricted tonational employees and their dependents.
For all health care providers, requirements areset on a case-by-case basis registrationprocedure:• For a private insurance, returnees should
approach the company itself;• For the NSSF, the employer will take care of
the registration;• A returnee registered with the NSSF can pay
for medication and will receive a refund (upto 100%) from the NSSF depending on themedication;
• In case of emergency admission, the hospitalwill handle the administrative process forapprovals;
• Scheduled hospitalizations require priorapproval and are dependent on the hospital’sagreements with the Ministry of Health.
After being registered with the insurancecompany and the social security fund, thereturnee will receive a card that will allow themto obtain the benefits of these schemes.
Documents for family registration:Valid ID or passport for each family member;family registry proof; medical certificate for allfamily members.
Benefits:• Emergency hospitalization• Medicine
Costs:Costs of insurance schemes vary according tothe age of the applicants and the scheme theywish to enroll in.
2. Medical treatment and medication
Medical facilities and doctors:Medical facilities are available throughoutLebanon with both private and public hospitals.A list of facilities can be found on p. 12.Further information can also be found on theofficial website of the Ministry of Public Health:www.moph.gov.lb .
Procedure of admission:Depending on the condition and the medicalstatus of the patient, the following should bepresented:• Doctor’s referral note• Insurance card (if available)• NSSF card (if available)
Availability and costs of medication:Most medications are available in Lebanon. It israrely reported that specific medications arenot available. The costs are fixed by the Ministryof Public Health.
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II. Health Care
Health Care System: Access for Returnees
Eligibility and requirements:
Everyone can access private insurance. Fees depend on the health status and the chosen scheme. The
social security fund is restricted to national employees. The Ministry of Health is accessible for all
Lebanese not covered by any scheme. Upon registration with the insurance company and the social
security fund, the returnee will receive a card that will allow them to obtain the benefits of these
schemes.
Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon are not eligible for the National Social Security Fund but can access
private insurance.
Registration procedure:Private companies have their nation-wide network of offices. Registration requirements vary betweencompanies and can be found on their respective websites. Most companies will require a medicalform to be filled by a physician and in some cases will require additional investigations (depends onthe present medical conditions during registration).
Required documents:Valid national ID or passport and medical certificate
I. General Information
The Lebanese population is estimated at 5.9million people and has a highly-skilled labourforce while job creation levels are low.
The labour market is further characterized by alarge informal sector that engages manyworkers. Around 15% of the economicallyactive population is employed in the publicsector while the remaining are active in theprivate sector or are self-employed (30%).
The main sectors of the economy where jobsare in supply are:• Agriculture sector• Services sector• Trade sector• Industry sector
The crisis in Syria has had a significant impacton the Lebanese economy. Lower levels of tradewith Syria, cut-off of trade routes through Syria,deterioration of consumer and businessconfidence and fewer foreign investments dueto security concerns are some of the keyfactors. Unemployment rates are perceived tohave increased as a consequence.
The minimum wage in Lebanon is USD450/month (LBP 675,000).
2.Ways/assistance to find employment
Lebanon does not have a developed sector ofjob placement agencies and only few vacanciesare advertised.
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III. Labour Market and Employment
Jobs adverts can be found on websites or apps,as well as in newspapers, incl. the following:
• www.daleelmadani.org• http://lb.waseet.net• www.alwaseet.com• https://olxliban.com• www.bayt.com• www.jobs.com.lb
3. Unemployment assistance
General information on public and/or privateunemployment assistance:The National Employment Office (NEO), whichfalls under the Ministry of Labour, offersguidance and training to job seekers, undertakesvocational training orientation, seeks to find jobopportunities and aims to build the capacity ofpeople with disabilities in order to icrease theiremployability.
4. Further education and trainings
Public as well as private schools are available allover Lebanon, as well as language trainingcenters. The best way to obtain registrationdetails regarding fees is to contact the schoolsand training centers directly.
Vocational Training CentresThere are several vocational training centres inLebanon, incl. through private institutions suchas “Dar Al Aytam” (see p.10), or the“Makzhoumi Foundation” (p. 9), and throughthe NEO.
Unemployment Assistance: Access for Returnees
Eligibility and requirements:The Employment Bureau of the National Employment Office aims to match job seekers andemployers. It is open to any Lebanese citizen.
Registration procedure:Applicants need to approach the Employment Bureau in person (address on p. 11) to fill out anapplication. They will be interviewed by an employment officer and receive a registration card. TheEmployment Bureau will contact applicants when a job opportunity becomes available that matchestheir competencies.
Required documents:Copy of ID; passport photo; CV
1. General Information
An estimated 50% of the Lebanese populationlive in the greater Beirut area. Demand foraffordable housing far exceeds supply, leading topeople spending a disproportionate percentageof their income on housing, having longcommutes and/or living in substandardconditions.
Lebanon faces a shortage of electricity leadingto regular power outages. Consequently, peopleand businesses rely on generators to fill thegaps adding significantly to monthly costs(approx. LBP150,000/USD 100 a month).
It also faces chronic water shortages which areexpected to increase further in the future dueto growing demand and increasing droughts.
Housing facilities for returnees / social housingLebanon does not have a social housing system.Temporary shelters are not commonly availableto returnees. Short-term accommodation canbe found through various websites or localadverts.
2. Ways/assistance to find accommodation
There is no public assistance to findaccommodation. Flats, houses and apartmentsare advertised on street billboards, websites,and newspapers such as:
• www.propertyfinder.com
• www.alwaseet.com
• https://olxliban.com
3. Social grants for housing
Social grants for housing are not available butthe Public Corporation for Housing offerssubsidized loans to buyers. Loans are availablethrough banks.
Usually, the following documents are needed:
• Proof of employment and income• National ID• Housing loan application
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IV. Housing
Housing: Access for Returnees /Vulnerable Groups
Shelters in Lebanon usually host refugees in danger with need of protection, as well as Lebanesecitizens mostly vulnerable women and women who suffered from domestic violence or abuse, andstateless people.
There are no governmental shelters available in Lebanon.
Housing/shelter opportunities for VoTs, victims of domestic violence, single mothers:
There are several opportunities for housing/shelter for the above mentioned groups, supported byNGOs and religious organizations, such as:
• ABAAD• KAFA• Maryam and Martha Community• Caritas Lebanon• Mission De Vie
For contact details, see information under sectionVIII.
1. General Information
Lebanon does not have a comprehensive socialwelfare system. The National Social SecurityFund covers several areas including health careand a pension system but is available only to theprivate sector, certain types of governmentemployees and the self-employed who subscribeto it.Various religious and sectarian communitiesprovide a range of social welfare services, incl.poverty relief, food or health services.
2. Pension System
A pension system is available through privatesector or syndicate pension funds, or throughthe National Social Security Fund. Civilservants, the military and security services havetheir own public sector pension scheme.
Costs:Employee contributions differ depending on thescheme. For the public sector/military it isusually to pay 6% of the salary, while the NSSFrequires a 8.5% employers’ contribution.
Benefits:The NSSF pays a one-off lump sum uponretirement. Other schemes have differentinstalments.
3.Vulnerable Groups
Palestine Refugees in Lebanon
Palestine Refugees in Lebanon (PRL) can access
various services provided by UNRWA, including
health care, educational services and social
services, as long as they are registered with
UNRWA.
Unaccompanied Minors
For unaccompanied minors returning to
Lebanon, a family tracing and/or assessment can
be conducted prior to their return.
Persons with disabilities
The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) provides
allowances to people with a disability, provided
they meet MoSA’s eligibility criteria.
Others
Local NGO’s throughout the country provide a
range of services, either funded by international
NGOs or the Lebanese government. They can
be found in municipality offices throughout
Lebanon.
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V. Social Welfare
Pension System: Access for Returnees
Eligibility and requirements:Various pension funds are available depending on the sector one is employed in. Pension schemes arenot available to the unemployed, while they are limited to the self-employed based on contributions.
Registration procedure:Registration is done through the employer.
More information on the NSSF can be found at: https://www.cnss.gov.lb/
SocialWelfare System: Access for Returnees
Eligibility and requirements:Access to the NSSF is limited to employees whose employers have contributed to the fund or self-employed who have voluntarily contributed. Non-employed are not eligible. Since many are employedin the informal sectors of the economy, they are not eligible for the existing schemes.Sectarian communities have their own criteria.
1. General Information
Education in Lebanon is provided by the publicand private sector. Both sectors areadministered by the Ministry of Education andHigher Education which has made schoolingcompulsory for children from the age of 6 to 14(completion of Middle School).
Upon completion of Cycle 3 a Brevet isawarded, needed to enter Secondary School.Upon completion of Secondary School, theBaccalauréat Libanais, or Baccalauréat Techniqueis awarded, as an entry requirement for HigherEducation.
Higher Education is provided by technical andvocational institutes, universities and colleges.Most are private except for the LebaneseUniversity.
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2. Cost, loans and stipends
• Tuition fees for public schools are limited toa registration fee;
• Tuition fees for private schools vary from1,500,000 LBP to 15,000,000 LBP on yearlybasis and are to be covered by parents;
• Some private schools offer financial aid orreduced fees.
Access and requirements to stipends and/orloans for covering tuitionNo financial aid is available for tuition fees forpublic schools. In the case of private schools,applications for financial aid (if available) shouldbe made to the school directly.
3. Approval and verification of foreigndiplomasDiplomas obtained abroad should be verifiedby the Equivalence Committee of the LebaneseMinistry of Education and Higher Education. It isrecommended to have diplomas or certificateslegalized by the Embassy prior to return.
VI. Educational System
Educational System: Access and Registration Procedure for Returnees
Returnees can be enrolled in any school in Lebanon, whether public or private. Palestine Refugees inLebanon cannot access Lebanese public schools but have access to UNWRA schools or privateeducation.
Following documents need to be provided:
• Copy of passport and/or valid ID
• Official transcripts of grades for the last 3 years, certified by the Lebanese Embassy and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Signed Certificate of Equivalence from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education
• Entrance exam for academic assessment for certain universities
Educational Level Age
Pre-school
Kindergarten
0 – 3
3 – 6
Primary Level
Primary School Cycle 1 (Grades 1, 2, 3)
Cycle 2 (Grades 4, 5, 6)
6 – 9
9 – 12
Secondary Level
Middle School Cycle 3 (Grades 7, 8, 9)
Secondary School Cycle 4 (Grades 10, 11,
12)
12 – 15
15 – 18
Higher Education
College, University, Technical and
Vocational Institutes, etc.
18 >
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1. Reintegration assistance programs
Reintegration assistance is available throughIOM Lebanon upon referral from IOM offices inhost countries and varies according to criteriaagreed between IOM and the donor.
Reintegration support can consist of any or acombination of the following:
• Airport reception assistance• Transportation assistance from the airport• Counselling• Cash assistance• In-kind assistance, such as micro-business
support, rental support or educationalsupport
• Medical assistance
2. Financial and administrative support
As requirements for reintegration support arestrict, IOM provides counselling sessions andguidance throughout the reintegration processto beneficiaries to ensure they obtain thedocumentation required to receive the financialassistance.
Credit: IOM / 2017
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VII. Concrete Support for Returnees
3. Support to start income generating activities
Although the banking sector is one of the pillarsof the Lebanese economy, micro-credit financialservices are not particularly developed.
However, loans are available through banks,private institutions and a number of non-profitorganizations that offer micro-credit loans,financial and non-financial services for small andmedium enterprises (SMEs), incl. the following:
• Makhzoumi Foundation http://makhzoumi-foundation.org
• Al Majmoua (targeting women in particular)www.almajmoua.org
• Economic and Social Fund for Developmenthttp://www.esfd.cdr.gov.lb
• Al Tamkeen http://www.altamkeen.com
More information can be found through theMinistry of Economy and Trade.
International, Non-Governmental and Humanitarian Organizations
IOM, International Organization for Migration
Address: Adnan Hakim street, Jnah, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 841 701
Email: iombeirut@iom.int
Internet: www.iom.int
UNRWA, United Nations Relief and Works Agency
(for Palestine Refugees in Lebanon)
Address: Bir Hassan, Ghobeiry, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 840490
Internet: www.unrwa.org
ICRC, International Committee of the Red Cross
Address: Sadat street, Hamra, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 739297
Email:
Internet: www.icrc.org
Lebanese Red Cross (health, medical and youth services
throughout Lebanon)
Address: Spears Street, Kantari, Beirut
Tel.: 01/ 372802- 3- 4- 5
Email: pr.info@redcross.org.lb
Internet: www.redcross.org.lb
Caritas Lebanon (various community and social centers
throughout Lebanon)
Dr. Youssef Hajjar Street
Address: Sin El Fil, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 499767
Email: info@caritas.org.lb
Internet: www.caritas.org.lb
Dar Al Aytam Al Islamiya (Social Welfare Institutions
throughout Lebanon, incl. orphanages and vocational
training centers)
Address: Tariq Jdideh, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 654654
Email: marafel@daralaytam.org
Internet: www.daralaytam.org
Amel Association International (Various development
centers across Beirut, Bekaa and South Lebanon, incl.
primary health care, educational, psycho-social and child
protection services)
Address: Abu Chakra Street
Mousseitbeh, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 317 293
Email: info@amel.org
Internet: www.amel.org
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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (1/4)
Relevant local authorities (employment offices, health/pension insurances etc. )
General Security Directorate
Address: Mathaf, Beirut
Tel.: 1717
Internet: www.general-security.gov.lb
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigrants
Address: Achrafieh, Beirut
Tel.: +961 333100
Internet: www.mfa.gov.lb
Ministry of Public Health
Address: Bir Hassan, Jnah, Beirut
Hotline: 1214 (24/7)
Email: info@moph.gov.lb.Internet: www.moph.gov.lb
National Social Security Fund
Address: Corniche Al Masraa, Beirut
Tel.: +961 705013
Email: info@cnss.gov.lb
Internet: www.cnss.gov.lb
Ministry of Economy and Trade
Address: Downtown, Beirut
Hotline: 1739
Email: Info@economy.gov.lbInternet: www.economy.gov.lb
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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (2/4)
Services assisting with the search for jobs, housing, etc.
National Employment Office
Address: Melhem Khalaf Street
Adlieh, Beirut
Tel.: 01-616335/6
Internet: www.neo.gov.lb
National Employment Office
Serail, Tripoli
Tel.: 06-447440
National Employment Office
Serail, Saida
Tel.: 07-727911
Medical Facilities
Hotel Dieu de France
Address: Bvd A. Naccache, Achrafieh, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 615300
Email: info@hdf.usj.edu.lb
Internet: www.hdf.usj.edu.lb
American University of Beirut Medical Center
Address: Cairo Street. Hamra, Beirut
Tel.: +961 1 374374
Email: aubmc@aub.edu.lb
Internet: www.aubmc.org
Clemenceau Medical Center
Address: Clemenceau Street
Hamra, Beirut
Tel.: +961-1-372888, hotline: 1240
Email: info@cmc.com.lb
Internet: www.cmc.com.lb
Al-Rassoul Al-Aazam Hospital
Address: Airport Road,
Bourj Al Barajneh, Beirut
Tel.: 01-456456 / 01-452700
Email: info@alrassoul.org
Internet: www.alrassoul.org
Ain Wazein Hospital
Address: Aley, Ain Wazein, Chouf, Mt. Lebanon
Tel.: 05-509001-4
Email: AWH@awh.org.lb
Internet: www.awh.org.lb
Hopital Libanais Geitaoui
Address: Achrafieh, Beirut
Tel.: +961-1-590000
Email: info@hopital-libanais.com
Internet: http://www.hopital-libanais.com/
Nini hospital s.a.l
Address: El Maraad Street
Achier El Daya, Tripoli
Tel.: 06-431400
Internet: www.hopitalnini.com
Islamic Hospital
Address: Azmy Street, Tripoli
Tel.: 06-210186 / 06 205 875
Email: info@islamichospital.org
Internet: www.islamichospital.org
Hammoud Hospital University Medical Center
Dr. Ghassan
Address: Hammoud Street Saida
Tel.: +961 7-723111/888, 07-721687
Email: info@hammoudhospital.com
Internet: www.hammoudhospital.com
Jabal Amel Hospital
Jal al Baher, Tyre
Tel.: 07-740343 / 07-740198 / 03-280580
Rayak Hospital
Address: Rayak, Bekaa
Tel.: 08-901300/1/2/3/4/5
Email: administration@rayakhospital.com
Internet: www.rayakhospital.com
Tatari Hospital
Address: Beshara Al Khoury Street, Baalbeck, Bekaa
Tel.: 08-370799 / 08-371903 / 03-833846
Email: xxx
Internet: xxx
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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (3/4)
For further information please visit the information portal on
voluntary return and reintegration ReturningfromGermany:
https://www.returningfromgermany.de/en/countries/Lebanon 13
VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (4/4)
Other Contacts (e.g. NGOs for women and children, microcredit-lending etc.)
KAFA
(women’s rights and protection)
Address: 43 Badaro Street, Beydoun bldg
Tel: +961-1-392220
24/7 Helpline: 03 018 019
Email: kafa@kafa.org.lb
Internet: www.kafa.org.lb
RDFL, Lebanese Democratic Women’s Gathering
(Has various centers across the country)
Address: Rayes and Hammoud Bldg, Nahas Street
Zokak el Blat- Batrakieh, Beirut
Tel: +961-1-370120 / +961 1-370189
Email: beirut@rdflwomen.org
Internet: www.rdflwomen.org
HELEM
(protection for LGBTIQ)
Beirut
Tel: +961 71 916147
Email: support@helem.net
Internet: www.helem.net
ABAAD
(Recource centre for gender equality)
Beirut
Tel: +961 1 283 820
Email: abaad@abaadmena.org
Internet: www.abaadmena.org
Maryam and Martha Community
(Supports women facing violence or loneliness)
Beirut
Tel: +961 9 236 962 // +961 9 236 961
Email: cmm@maryamandmartha.org
Internet: www.maryamandmartha.org
Mission De Vie
(Je suis venu pour qu’ils aient la vie en abundance
(Jn10/10))
Antelias
Tel: +961 4 412 842 // +961 4 408 088
Email: secretariatgeneral@missiondevie.org
Internet: www.missiondevie.org
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